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Indian Polity for Civil Services Examinations

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Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth needs no introduction. It is one of the most popular and comprehensive books on the subject and has been a consistent bestseller for many years. It has become a must-read book for aspirants appearing in various competitive examinations especially the civil services examinations. The wide range and scope of issues that it covers, also make it valuable to postgraduates, research scholars, academicians, researchers and general readers who would like to be well informed of the country's political and constitutional issues.

852 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

947 people are currently reading
6721 people want to read

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M. Laxmikanth

12 books85 followers

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5 stars
1,707 (61%)
4 stars
769 (27%)
3 stars
187 (6%)
2 stars
50 (1%)
1 star
73 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
Profile Image for Archit.
826 reviews3,200 followers
February 15, 2018
This book is everything for anyone preparing for Indian Civil Services. Each and every concept has been explained in detail. A great choice for making notes from here.
Profile Image for Shubham Agnihotri.
12 reviews
April 29, 2017
This is undoubtedly best book for understanding basics of Indian political system. I would love to read it again after few months. If one aspires to become a civil servant then must check this book out.
98 reviews
June 3, 2015
It's a good book to learn about Indian Constitution. Written in a very simple language to make it easy to understand the Constitution for a layman like me.
Things are very systematized and placed orderly to make you walk step by step and grasp the things easily.
3 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2017
Good for any legal person for quick reference and for upsc aspirants
Profile Image for Hirdesh.
401 reviews93 followers
June 20, 2019
Exceptional books with comprehensive writing about Indian politics.
Constitution, Government, bodies of government etc
Wide range of work has seen in broad way.
Profile Image for Prithu Puranjan.
72 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2024
Done with the 1st reading.. skipping few chapters which were redundant.

Now I understand the Indian Polity better i can say.
Profile Image for Shikha Pandey.
3 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2021
This is one of the best books I have read while preparing for UPSC. The comparison drawn in the end of the chapter and related facts given after the chapter is the best part.

Even a normal person must read to know about our constitution.
Profile Image for Nand Kishor Sharma.
Author 1 book1 follower
October 4, 2022
भारत की राजव्यवस्था के सिद्धांत और व्यवहार को समझने के लिए एकदम प्रामाणिक तथ्यों और फूटनोट्स के साथ यह पुस्तक उपलब्ध है।
प्रतियोगी परीक्षाओं की तैयारी करने वाले अभ्यर्थियों (चाहे सिविल सेवा हो या राज्य सिविल सेवा अथवा अन्य परीक्षा) के लिए यह वेदों के समान है।
भारत की राजव्यवस्था व इसके संवैधानिक सिद्धांत व्यवहारिक रूप से थोड़े जटिल जरूर हैं परन्तु इस पुस्तक में आपको वे सभी आसानी से समझ आ जाएंगे।
राजव्यवस्था विषय को अक्सर बोरिंग व कौतूहल के बिना पढ़ा जाने वाला माना जाता है लेकिन यह पुस्तक उन धारणाओं को मिटाती है क्योंकि यह किताब बेहद रचनात्मक है, अभ्यर्थी जब इसे पढ़ेगा तो निःसंदेह एक महीने तक का समय इसे समझने में लगेगा परन्तु इस दौरान वह स्वयं को एक कानूनों व संविधान से परिचित सचेत नागरिक जैसा जरूर समझने लगेगा।
जरूरी बात है कि इस पुस्तक को न केवल प्रतियोगी परीक्षा की तैयारी करने वाले अभ्यर्थियों को ही पढ़ना चाहिए अपितु एक सामान्य भारतीय नागरिक को भी इसका लाभ लेना चाहिए।
Profile Image for PARVINDER SINGH.
14 reviews3 followers
November 26, 2019
Must read book to understand Indian Constitution and Indian polity plus you will get to know a little bit of history about acts that are passed in the british period for eg Government of India act 1935 , which are used for drafting the Indian Constitution . As India is down the 70 birth anniversary of Indian Constitution . One should know how Indian Constitution covered This big Lifespan and still going on whereas Mean life span of all World Constitution From 1789 - 2006 ( Universe of 792 new constitutional systems of which 518 have been replaced , 192 are still going , 82 have formally suspended ultimately to be replaced ) is mere |17 years |
Profile Image for Viji (Bookish endeavors).
470 reviews159 followers
December 3, 2014
A good starter for the subject of polity for Indian civil service examination. Apart from few factual errors,it was a pretty good read,especially for someone with no background like me. As it is tailored for Cse,the presentation is much dry and that might irritate many. Not recommended for general reading,but highly recommended for civil service aspirants.
Profile Image for Sagnik Nag.
97 reviews
September 25, 2014
Thanks to this , now I have a broader perspective about "how things actually work in India " !!
Profile Image for पवन सिँह.
2 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2014
In this book laxmikant has put a very broad area of india polity. But some places information a little bit incomplete ,say "impeachment process" where it lags. Over all i can give it 5*.
Profile Image for மகிழ்நன்.
45 reviews4 followers
April 4, 2016
This book is not only for the ones who prepare for exams. It's for who wants to know the polity of India and how our constitution designed and all. The best book to start with on Indian Polity.
Profile Image for Nishant Raj.
3 reviews
May 7, 2016
A good starting book for Constitutional understanding, extra factual and competition oriented book.
5 reviews
August 14, 2016
Good book,Explains descriptively regarding the constitution of India,its makers,etc , recommended especially for Indian citizens who prepare for Civil service exams.
1 review
September 8, 2016
Its Nice
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
8 reviews
April 15, 2020
Epic read
A bit difficult to read
More difficult to finish
And much difficult to remember

Still something everyone should read
Makes u a better Debater and newspapers make more sense. 🤣🤣
Profile Image for Bhaiyyasaheb.
12 reviews10 followers
June 11, 2020
I don't know how many times I have read this book. The count may be at least in the 40s-50s.
3 reviews
July 4, 2024
"M. Laxmikanth's Indian Polity" is widely considered one of the most comprehensive and authoritative books on Indian polity. It is particularly popular among students preparing for competitive exams like the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Here are some key aspects of the book:

Comprehensive Coverage
Exhaustive Content: The book covers all aspects of Indian polity, including the historical background, making of the Constitution, features of the Constitution, and detailed analysis of its provisions.
Updated Information: The latest editions incorporate recent amendments, changes in governance, and other important updates, ensuring that readers have the most current information.
Structured Layout
Systematic Presentation: The chapters are well-organized and follow a logical sequence, making it easier for readers to build their understanding progressively.
Clarity and Simplicity: Despite the complexity of the subject, Laxmikanth manages to explain concepts in a clear and straightforward manner. The language is simple and accessible.
Useful Study Aids
Tables and Flowcharts: The book includes numerous tables, charts, and flow diagrams to help in quick revision and better retention of information.
Practice Questions: At the end of each chapter, there are multiple-choice questions and practice sets that are useful for self-assessment.
In-depth Analysis
Detailed Explanation: Each topic is explained in detail, with insights into the significance of various constitutional provisions, landmark judgments, and real-world implications.
Critical Analysis: The book not only covers factual information but also provides critical analysis and interpretation of various political and constitutional issues.
Utility for Exams
Focused Content: The content is highly relevant for competitive exams, especially UPSC. It covers the syllabus comprehensively and provides insights into the type of questions that can be expected.
Previous Years' Questions: The inclusion of previous years' questions helps aspirants understand the exam pattern and prepare accordingly.
Reviews and Feedback
Positive Reception: The book has received widespread acclaim from students, educators, and experts in the field of political science. It is often recommended as a must-read for anyone serious about understanding Indian polity.
Critiques: While the book is highly regarded, some readers have pointed out that the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming. Others have suggested that more practical examples could enhance understanding.
Overall, M. Laxmikanth's "Indian Polity" is a valuable resource for students and anyone interested in the political framework of India. Its comprehensive nature, combined with a clear and systematic presentation, makes it a go-to guide for mastering the subject.






Profile Image for Pragati Kulshrestha.
27 reviews3 followers
February 20, 2019
nice book. factual and conceptual knowledge...again this book for those who are preparing civil services.

Even today when Indian Polity is quite useful for Pub Ad mains paper and many aspirants also refer Laxmikant for preparing Indian polity for the Prelims as well. What makes Indian Polity by Laxmikanth so popular?

The format and language of the book is highly readable. It reads more like a guide than a standard text book. Laxmikanth explains all aspects of India’s polity like fundamental rights, duties, panchayati raj, budget, state and central government, judiciary, constitutional bodies etc in a very easy to understand manner.

IAS aspirants with no background knowledge of Indian polity and constitution will grasp the concepts quickly as the book is intended for beginners as well as experienced candidates. Indian Polity consists of useful bullet points to get the concepts across concisely and clearly.

No wonder Indian Polity by Laxmikanth is highly popular book among IAS aspirants for Prelims as well as Pub Ad mains paper.
Profile Image for Nishant Chauhan.
77 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2017
Nice book to grasp the complexities, challenges, and inception of Indian constitution. This book covers 6 decades of development of Indian constitution, presented with a lot of meaningful information. This book discloses the time when India released from the chain of foreign rule and started writing his own constitution and challenges it faced in last 65 years and changes it underwent to satisfy the ever growing demands of its citizen.
1 review2 followers
May 27, 2018
This is by far the best book as far as fundamentals of Indian polity is concerned. The kind of simple language yet subtle use of good vocabularies here and there makes it a smooth and enjoyable read. There are places where I felt the author could have delve down a little bit but why should we ask for more as this book is not meant for deep studies in polity. Every Indian should reach this book. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Aanif.
1 review3 followers
October 11, 2017
Covering not only the articles of the Constitution of India, but a thorough analysis of pros and cons of certain provisions vis a vis other constitutions of the world, a must read for anyone who is interested to know about the evolution and the current state of affairs of the largest democracy to ever exist in the history of mankind.
Profile Image for Saketh Ch.
11 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2018
A comprehensive source for matters on Indian polity ranging across the constitution, political parties, civil society and what not. While it lacks the dialectical synthesis as presented in P M Bakshi's "Constitution of India", Lakshmikanth makes up for it in his wider coverage of Indian polity. It is a bible for the UPSC aspirants as far as the foundations of polity are concerned.
Profile Image for Marcy.
7 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2020
If you want to have a complete knowledge about Indian polity,this book is the best book ever.And this book is especially written for civil service aspirants but also very helpful for political science students and easy to understand for a students who dosen't have political science subject in higher secondary
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews

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